‘The Punisher: One Last Kill’ Becomes Disney+’s Biggest Original of 2026

Marvel’s output on Disney+ has faced significant scrutiny in 2026, with streaming metrics frequently discussed regarding the platform’s ability to engage audiences. In this context, a 48-minute special featuring one of Marvel’s most iconic anti-heroes has emerged as a notable success.

Jon Bernthal reprised his role as Frank Castle in ‘The Punisher: One Last Kill,’ a standalone special that debuted on May 12, just a week after the Season 2 finale of ‘Daredevil: Born Again.’ Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green and co-written by Green and Bernthal, the special follows Frank as he grapples with his mental health while being drawn back into action due to his past.

Recent data indicates that this narrative resonated with viewers, surpassing all other Disney+ releases this year. According to Luminate data shared by Defenders Updates, ‘The Punisher: One Last Kill’ achieved the highest number of “season views” for any Disney+ original in 2026, with 12.2 million views, outpacing ‘Wonder Man’ at 7 million and ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ Season 2 at 5.8 million.

This level of engagement aligns with a critical reception that, while mixed, often highlighted Bernthal’s performance. Many reviewers noted how seamlessly he embodies the character, having portrayed Frank Castle since 2016. Bernthal is set to carry the character into ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day,’ marking this version’s first appearance on the big screen, with the special serving as a bridge to that theatrical release.

However, not all critics were convinced that the story lived up to the hype. One review pointed out that Season 2 of ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ had omitted Frank Castle entirely after his introduction in Season 1, leaving gaps in the narrative regarding his sudden return in ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day.’ Some reviewers were more direct, labeling the plot as “virtually plotless” and suggesting the special functioned more as a showcase for Bernthal than as a crucial installment in Frank Castle’s journey.

Despite this, even critics who found the storyline lacking generally agreed that the action met fan expectations. One review described the violence as gritty and intense, citing close-up shotgun blasts, throat cuts, and pen stabs as evidence that Marvel did not shy away from brutality under the Disney banner. Another reviewer echoed this sentiment, noting that the special “does not tone down the brutality” and highlighted a moment in the closing scenes that garnered genuine applause.

Regardless of the critical consensus, the viewership figures tell a compelling story. Claiming the top spot on Disney+’s 2026 season views chart places ‘The Punisher: One Last Kill’ ahead of a competitive lineup of Marvel and Star Wars originals, indicating that even a divisive standalone special can outperform full seasons of ongoing series when the right character and actor combination is present.

With Bernthal’s Frank Castle poised for his theatrical debut, this streaming achievement only heightens expectations for how the character will be received on the big screen.

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